Super League star’s exit confirmed

The likes of Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves, Hull FC and Hull KR have all completed major signings as have the Huddersfield Giants.

They have confirmed a number of departures and now Adam O’Brien has been added to that.

Signing for the club back in 2017 from Bradford Bulls, Adam went on to make 120 appearances and score 20 tries, playing a vital role in the hooking department over various years.

Adam’s commitment to the club cannot be questioned, playing double figures in every season since joining apart from 2023, where he enjoyed a loan spell at his hometown club Halifax Panthers.

O’Brien was known for his sheer pace and determination around the ruck, often scooping the ball up with one hand to pull his team forward, spotting gaps and racing through to eat up the metres. Noticeable with his headband that became a staple of Adam’s look, he quickly became a fans favourite and is still well respected to this day.

After Bradford fell into Administration and then liquidation in early 2017, Adam, who had been at the club since 2011, coming through the Academy, decided to take up a new challenge in Super League with neighbours Huddersfield. This also saw him join the Giants with fellow Bulls Alex Mellor, Dale Ferguson and Lee Gaskell.

His first season in the Claret and Gold saw him make 17 appearances, scoring three tries, as he shared the role with Kruise Leeming.

AOB’s first score for the Giants came in an 18-10 win against Catalans Dragons at the 2017 Magic Weekend, with his other two tries coming in home victories vs St Helens and Widnes, as he cemented his spot in the team.

Throughout the coming years, O’Brien became a mainstay, making 31 appearances in 2018 and 27 in 2019 as he became a form Super League hooker.

As touched upon in his quotes below, one of AOB’s favourite and best games in the one-time red shirt at Magic Weekend Anfield, saw the Huddersfield Giants batter Hull FC 55-2, which saw O’Brien cross for two tries at his favourite football clubs stadium.

As he departs to take on a new challenge elsewhere, we’d like to wish Adam and his family the very best after years of service to the Giants, with the hooker penning a message to the supporters below.

Adam spoke about his favourite memories at the club, and left a message for the fans.

“When I look back Huddersfield have been a big part of my rugby career so far, they picked me up off the back of Bradford Bulls liquidating which I am so grateful for. Like you said it’s be 7 years, there has been ups and downs but overall loved my time at Huddersfield.

My favourite memory during my time at the Giants has to be playing at Anfield and scoring a try at the stadium, being a Liverpool fan it was a special moment for me and my family, to put such a score on Hull FC that day was a great moment.

Since joining Hudds at 24, I have become a dad of two, me and Lauren got married, On the field over the years, I’ve probably just tried becoming the best player I can be and trying to give a little back to the other hookers coming through.

My favourite player will probably have to be Lee Gaskell, we played at Bradford for a few years and then Hudds together and we suited each others play. I will probably miss Olly Russell the most, he is a very good friend and everyday we gave each other banter and stick but he is a top bloke to be around however there are quite a few lads I will miss having the crack with.

The Giants fans have been amazing and so welcoming to myself and my family since I joined back in 2017, I can’t thank them enough for their support, I’d like to personally thank them for turning up every week and supporting us, through the good and hard times and I’ve had a great time here, and I’ll always be grateful for that.”